Studying Sanskrit in BA: Why It Matters Today

BA Sanskrit: Why is it important to study it in today’s time?

In the era we are in today, everything is changing very fast. Everyone talks about career, money and practical skills. In such a situation, what is the importance of studying a traditional subject like Sanskrit? Can doing BA Sanskrit be beneficial in today’s time? Absolutely it can! Because Sanskrit is not just a language, it is the basis of Indian culture, philosophy, science and history.

What is BA Sanskrit?

BA Sanskrit or Bachelor of Arts in Sanskrit is a 3-year undergraduate degree course. In this course, you not only learn to speak or read Sanskrit, but you also get in-depth knowledge of this language – such as its grammar, literature, philosophy and ancient Indian culture.

The Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga, and Ayurveda must be familiar to you. You have the opportunity to read and comprehend these great books and ideas in the original Sanskrit language when you enrol in BA Sanskrit. In other words, you can immediately relate to the information that was recorded thousands of years ago.

The syllabus may vary slightly from college to university, but almost all of them cover the following subjects:

Year 1

• Basics of Sanskrit Language
• Grammar and Word Formation
• Simple Sentences and Translation

Year 2

• Study of the Epics – Ramayana, Mahabharata
• Sanskrit Literature and Drama
• Sanskrit Poetics

Year 3

• Vedas, Upanishads and Philosophy
• Sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda
• Linguistics and Tradition of Scholarship

Each year, students are tested through projects, presentations and oral exams to ensure their linguistic and conceptual development.

Why do BA Sanskrit?

1. A way to connect with Indian culture
   Sanskrit is the soul of our country. Most of the religious and philosophical books of India are written in Sanskrit. By studying BA Sanskrit, you are able to understand these texts in their original form, not with the help of translation.
2. Beneficial in Competitive Exams
   If you are preparing for exams like UPSC, UGC-NET, TGT/PGT, SSC, PSC, then Sanskrit can be a scoring and calm subject. Its preparation is less stressful than other subjects.
3. Career in Yoga and Ayurveda
   Nowadays, there is a demand for Yoga and Ayurveda all over the world. Their basic knowledge is hidden in Sanskrit texts. After doing BA Sanskrit, you can work deeply in this field.
4. Opportunity for research and education
   If you are interested in studies and research, then BA Sanskrit can be the first step for you. You can become a professor or research scholar in a university by doing M.A., M.Phil., PhD.

Who can do this course?

If you have done 12th from any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) and you are interested in language, culture, and philosophy, then you are eligible for this course. Sanskrit subject is not mandatory in many colleges, but if you have studied it, you will benefit.

Some universities also take entrance exam, while many colleges give direct admission on the basis of merit.

Career path after BA Sanskrit

1. Sanskrit teacher/professor
   After B.Ed. or M.A. Sanskrit, you can teach in school or college.
2. Translator
   Work of translating old texts into modern languages—opportunities in government organizations, NGOs, and publishing houses.
3. Yoga instructor or Ayurveda consultant
   With a deep understanding of Sanskrit, you can become a teacher or guide in these traditional disciplines.
4. Research scholar
   You can do research on Sanskrit literature, culture, or language—you can also get scholarships in universities in India and abroad.
5. Content developer or writer
   Can prepare books, blogs, scripts and course material on Sanskrit subjects.
6. Government jobs
   Employment opportunities can be found in the Archaeological Department of the Central and State Government, Ministry of Language, ASI, Sahitya Academy.

Salary and job opportunities

The starting salary can be 2.5 lakh to 5 lakh per annum, which increases according to your experience, degree and skills. If you go into research, teaching or yoga/ayurveda, then the salary can go up to 6-10 lakh per annum.

Which places are better for studies?

There are many reputed colleges and universities in India where BA Sanskrit course is taught well:

• Delhi University (DU)
• BHU, Varanasi
• Sanskrit University, Varanasi
• Tripathi Sanskrit University, Ujjain
• NSU, Tirupati

There are some challenges too

• People ignore Sanskrit considering it an “old language”
• Jobs in government and private sector are limited
• The number of digital resources is still less
• Studying requires constant practice and patience

But if your interest is genuine and you want to do something different, then this course can prove to be great for you.

Conclusion: Why is BA Sanskrit important?

This is getting a degree in BA Sanskrit, not just understanding the country but the face of India. When studying Sanskrit, you learn a very rich language and also learn the knowledge that has been intrinsic to the Indian civilization for thousands of years. If you want to study something that can give you all the four things- knowledge, understanding, career, and satisfaction, then definitely choose BA Sanskrit.